NFL 2011 - Week 6 picks.....

The bye week (while I despise them) look like they are lining up to help teams heal, while for others it will allow them to make the necessary adjustments to help their teams get back on track. The Lions and Packers are still the remaining undefeated teams, while the Rams, Colts and Dolphins are still looking for win number one.

A game under even for the week, which put the "losing" streak at three weeks, but the overall record is still sitting above the level mark. On to week six. Enjoy.

NFL 2011 - Week 6 picks (Home team in CAPS)

FALCONS (-4 1/2) over Panthers - Didn't see Atlanta having a must win game in week 6, but that is where the Falcons are at this week. They will need to keep Cam Newton under control, but being at home will help Atlanta get back on track.
GIANTS (-3 1/2) over Bills - Typical Giant letdown last week against Seattle and most will feel it continues against Buffalo, but here is where the New York will confound everyone and get the win over Buffalo. The Bills will put up points, but Eli Manning will put up more.
Colts (+6 1/2) over BENGALS - Indy had their chance for the win last week and end up blowing the 17 point lead at home to Kansas City, but they have been playing tough and keeping games close. See the same here as the Bengals win, but the Colts hang tough.
LIONS (-4 1/2) over 49ers - Potential playoff match-up? I would say this is the Lions' letdown week, but who thought the 49ers would be at 4-1 at this time? Detroit will have a struggle here, but with the game being at home, I'll give the edge to the Lions.
PACKERS (-14 1/2) over Rams - St. Louis is bad, while Green Bay is terrific. Packer players will pad multiple offensive stats.
Eagles (+ 1/2) over REDSKINS - I might be the last one beside Eagle diehards to still believe this team can win. Washington can put the dagger into the Eagle season here, but Philly will somehow get this win and muddle the NFC East even further.
STEELERS (-12 1/2) over Jaguars - Pittsburgh showed that they are not giving up on the season after last week's whipping of the Titans and I feel it will continue this week against a bad Jacksonville team. Just can't see the Jaguars scoring much against the Steeler defense.
Browns (+5 1/2) over RAIDERS - Emotional victory last week for the Raiders in Houston last week and this week they face a Cleveland team coming off their bye. Oakland will keep its winning ways, but it will be a struggle as the Browns keep it close.
RAVENS (-7 1/2) over Texans - Want to say the Texans keep it close, but Arian Foster is banged up and no Andre Johnson means not much offense for Houston against the Raven defense. Expect a big load of Ray Rice running and receiving.
Cowboys (+7 1/2) over PATRIOTS - New England faces another "Ryan" defense this week with Rob's Cowboys coming to town. Dallas secondary still a bit banged up. This should be a high scoring affair, but at the end the Patriots will get the victory, but Dallas stays with them throughout.
Saints (-4 1/2) over BUCCANEERS - Tampa Bay didn't even show up last week against the 49ers and that was a giant surprise. New Orleans had to work hard to get the victory in Carolina, but they could really put some distance between them and their division rivals with a victory this week.
BEARS (-3 1/2) over Vikings - Minnesota defensive line probably licking their chops to get at that Chicago offensive line, but do they have an answer to slow down Matt Forte? Vikings ran Adrian Peterson plenty last week, but will they do it again the Bear defense?
Dolphins (+7 1/2) over JETS - New York is on a three game losing streak and have the winless Dolphins coming to town. The Jets will "press" in trying to get off the losing slide and will allow Miami to keep it close and give them a scare, if not the outright upset.

Week 5: 6-7
2011 season: 39-37-1

NFL 2011 - Week 5 picks.....

So what have we learned after 4 weeks of the NFL season? We know the offenses are good. Real good. But at the end of the day, it will be defense that separates the good from the great teams. The Lions and Packers are the only undefeated teams, while the Colts, Dolphins, Vikings and Rams still have not won yet this year. Think about that for a minute. We have the Lions undefeated, while the Colts are winless. It is bizarro world.

Second losing week in a row puts us close to the breakeven level for the year. It is the start of the "bye weeks", so we have an abbreviated schedule.

NFL 2011 - Week 5 picks (Home team in CAPS)

Eagles (-2 1/2) over BILLS - Everything points towards the Bills keeping the misery going in Philadelphia, but I think the Eagles win a shootout to get back on the winning track. Last week's loss to the 49ers might have been the wake-up call Philadelphia needed, while the Bills suffered their first loss in Cincinnati. Nice running back match-up with LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson.
Bengals (+2 1/2) over JAGUARS - Battle of the rookie QBs in Blaine Gabbert and Andy Dalton. Which one makes the least mistakes to win the game. Cincinnati is playing better defense than Jacksonville and it will help lead them to the road victory over the Jags.
Titans (+7 1/2) over STEELERS - Seattle didn't want Matt Hasselbeck for what reason? Who had the Titans at 3-1, while being last in rushing offense? This would be a statement win for Tennessee. I think the Steelers win, but it is a real scrap.
COLTS (-2 1/2) over Chiefs - Only because the game is in Indy. The Chiefs have looked a little better the past couple of weeks, but the Colts have too many vets and will get on the winning side of the ledger for the first time in 2011.
Raiders (+6 1/2) over TEXANS - No Andre Johnson for the Texans and Darrin McFadden's running for Oakland, means a very close game. Overall Houston is the better team and must win these type of games at home to be considered a post season threat. Arian Foster should get plenty of carries to offset the lessened passing game for the Texans.
VIKINGS (-2 1/2) over Cardinals - Beanie Wells running well for the Cardinals, but the other running back in the game is the best in the league. When are the Vikings just going to keep giving the ball to AP and just see what happens? Maybe this week so they can finally get that goose egg out of the win column.
Saints (-5 1/2) over PANTHERS - I've been seeing one as the "upset special" of the week and I just don't see it. Yes, the Panthers have been better this year, but that Saint offense can put up 35 points almost every game and will do so against Carolina.
GIANTS (-9 1/2) over Seahawks - Everything says this is a letdown game for New York after they snuck out of the dessert last week with the win. I just love their defensive line up against the Seattle offense, plus quietly Eli Manning is doing a very good job this year with a depleted receiving group.
Buccaneers (+1 1/2) over 49ERS - I did not see both of these teams at 3-1 after the first quarter of the season. Neither will blow an opponent out and use their running games led by LeGarrette Blount and Frank Gore to control clock. In the end, Josh Freeman just seems to get wins and I have more confidence in him than Alex Smith.
Chargers (-4 1/2) over BRONCOS - This should be a no-brainer with the small spread, but San Diego always seem to be in close games against lesser opponents. Rivers may have no Gates or Jackson this week, but in the end, if the Chargers want to be considered "elite" in the AFC they must win big against a poor Bronco team.
Jets (+9 1/2) over PATRIOTS - I have not like this Jet team all year, but Rex Ryan will have them up for their rivals in New England. Normally I would expect Brady & Belichick to get revenge for last year's playoff loss and blowout New York, but the Patriot defense is so poor, it will be a close score at the end.
Packers (-5 1/2) over FALCONS - Atlanta escapes Seattle last week and have many questioning what is going on with this team picked by many to challenge for the NFC crown. Does not get any easier with Aaron Rodgers and the Packer offense coming to town. Green Bay remains undefeated and repeats last year's playoff beatdown.
LIONS (-5 1/2) over Bears - I keep on wanting to go against Detroit, but it will not be this week. Poor Chicago and Jay Cutler get to deal with a raucous crowd excited for a Monday Night game, which will make the Lion pass rush that much quicker and better. It could get ugly for Cutler and the Chicago offensive line.

Week 4: 7-9
2011 season: 33-30-1

NFL 2011 (Week 3) - The SFB Podcast (9/23/2011).....

Week 3 of the NFL season. Below are my picks for the week, while the podcast will preview the week and breakdown my picks. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 23, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 - Week 3 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Patriots (-8 1/2) over BILLS
BENGALS (-2 1/2) over 49ers
Dolphins (+2 1/2) over BROWNS
TITANS (-6 1/2) over Broncos
Lions (-3 1/2) over VIKINGS
SAINTS (-3 1/2) over Texans
Giants (+7 1/2) over EAGLES
Jaguars (+2 1/2) over PANTHERS
CHARGERS (-14 1/2) over Chiefs
RAIDERS (+3 1/2) over Jets
Ravens (-3 1/2) over RAMS
Falcons (+1 1/2) over BUCCANEEERS
Packers (-3 1/2) over BEARS
Cardinals (-3 1/2) over SEAHAWKS
Steelers (-10 1/2) over COLTS
Redskins (+6 1/2) over COWBOYS

Week 2: 10-6
2011 season: 19-12-1

NFL Week 2 review - The SFB Podcast (9/20/2011).....

Second weekend of the season saw a couple of upsets, but mostly what it did was seem to put almost the whole league at 1-1. What we are seeing is a ton of offense. When will the defenses start to catch up, or are we at the start of a record setting offensive year? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 20, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 (Week 2) - The SFB Podcast (9/16/2011).....

Week 2 of the NFL season. Below are my picks for the week, while the podcast will preview the week and breakdown my picks. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 16, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 - Week 2 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

BILLS (-3 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-7 1/2) over Bears
Browns (-2 1/2) over COLTS
LIONS (-8 1/2) over Chiefs
Packers (-10 1/2) over PANTHERS
TITANS (+5 1/2) over Ravens
Buccaneers (+3 1/2) over VIKINGS
Jaguars (+10 1/2) over JETS
REDSKINS (-4 1/2) over Cardinals
STEELERS (-14 1/2) over Seahawks
Cowboys (+2 1/2) over 49ERS
Bengals (+5 1/2) over BRONCOS
Texans (-2 1/2) over DOLPHINS
Chargers (+6 1/2) over PATRIOTS
FALCONS (+2 1/2) over Eagles
Rams (+6 1/2) over GIANTS

Week 1: 9-6-1
2011 season: 9-6-1

NFL Week 1 review - The SFB Podcast (9/13/2011).....

The opening weekend of the NFL season is in the books and while some will be jumping to conclusions, I'll just review the games from the weekend and only large step to some conclusions after only one game. If the first week is any indication, those of you who like offense, will love this year. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 13, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 Preview - The SFB Podcast (9/7/2011).....

The NFL season starts tomorrow night with a match-up of the last two Super Bowl champions, when the Saints visit the Packers. After a summer of lockout talk, it is great to have real football so close. So, who will emerge from the 2011 season and become the champions. My pick is for the Packers to repeat adn I'll discuss why and who I think will join them in the playoffs. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 7, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 Season.....

I'll expand this on the podcast with a look at each team and division, but here are my playoff teams for the 2011 NFL season. Picked the Packers last year and will ride them again this year.

AFC Division Winners: Patriots / Steelers / Texans / Chargers
AFC Wildcard Teams: Jets / Ravens

NFC Division Winners: Eagles / Packers / Saints / Rams
NFC Wildcard Teams: Falcons / Cowboys

Super Bowl:
Chargers 27
Packers 30

I'm a little concerned about the Charger running game, but if they get just enough production from Mathews/Tolbert, I think they can make their way out of a tough AFC playoff battle and emerge as the conference champions. Easy division allows them to be the #1 seed, which helps them get out of the AFC.

As for the Packers, this team is in the best position to make a repeat run because of all the talent returning who were on IR last year. The Saints are the team I fear the most to dethrone the Packers, but I think Green Bay's defense will help lead them again to the Super Bowl.

NFL Feeding Frenzy - The Sports Fan Buzz (8/1/2011).....

You definitely need a scorecard these past few days as the NFL Free Agent season has been fast and furious. Free agent signings and plenty of trades have given the fan plenty to talk about these past few days. We'll take a look at some of the signings and trades that have occurred and how things are shaking out as all the camps are now open.

The SportsFan Buzz: August 1, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Well, #6 is Higher than #1 - The SFB Podcast (1/17/2011).....

We have seen #1 seeds go down in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs, but not both top seeds in such convincing fashion. Aaron Rodgers had one of the best games ever by a playoff quarterback, while the Jet defense played the perfect game against the high scoring Patriot offense. Meanwhile the Steelers had a great second half in beating their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Then in Chicago, the Bears looked like a team off a bye week playing an inferior opponent in rolling the Seahawks. Mike joins me to go over the weekend's action and breakdown the games. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL Divisional Weekend picks.....

I am really looking forward to this Divisional Playoff round, especially the matchups on the AFC side with both games being the third game of the year between the divisional foes. On the NFC side, they are also rematch games that were both three point affairs.

As for my Wildcard weekend picks, I was 3-1 against the spread (lost with the Colts), but only 2-2 overall in picking the winners (0-2 Saturday and 2-0 on Sunday), with me thinking the Seahawks would keep it close, but never expecting them to pull off the victory.

Divisional Round Weekend:

STEELERS (-3) over Ravens
Many consider this the best rivalry in the NFL, myself included, and NFL fans gets to see it for the third time this season and eighth time in the past three seasons. Unlike the last time they played in the 2008 AFC Championship Game where both teams played the prior week, this matchup has the Steelers coming off the bye week and I think that is an advantage for Pittsburgh. I look for at least one or two big plays by Ben Roethlisberger outside the pocket to the speedy wide receivers, Mike Wallace or Emmanuel Sanders, being the difference in this game. The Ravens need Ray Rice to have a big game running the ball and that will be difficult against this Steeler defense.
Steelers 23
Ravens 19

Packers (+3) over FALCONS
Atlanta beat Grren Bay with a last second field goal back in week 12 and we can only hope for a game with as much drama in this matchup. The Falcons are the #1 seed, but are the quiet team in this matchup as all the talk is about how well the Packers are playing,coming off their victory last week in Philadelphia. Atlanta plays solid football and at home they are a great team, but the Packers are a team that matches up well with them, especially when they spread the field in four and five receiver sets. Atlanta will need to control the ball for more than 35 minutes in order to keep the Green Bay offense in control and are capable of doing that, but in the end Aaron Rodgers gets the best of the Falcons and keeps the Packers moving forward.
Packers 24
Falcons 20

BEARS (-10) over Seahawks
There sure seems to be quite a few "Seattle can make some noise" statements and articles this week after they knocked out the New Orleans Saints last week. Well, if the Seahawks were this good as being said this week, shouldn't they have finished with a record better than 7-9 for the season? Seattle got the perfect opponent last week in a Saint team that overlooked them and played their worst defensive game of the season. An overlooked fact is the the Saints made it to the red zone seven times and scored each of those times. Chivago is rested and the overall better team. Unless the Bears play their worst defensive game, i don't see how Seattle pulls off this upset. Yes, Seattle won in Chicago during the regular season, but that was in week 6 and the Bears are much better than that early season team. My fear is the "bad" Jay Cutler shows up, and while that is possible, that Cutler hasn't been around for a couple of months and i don't think he makes an appearance this week.
Bears 31
Seahawks 14

Jets (+9) over PATRIOTS
There is a large part of my thinking that leans towards a blowout for New England in this matchup as the bye week and the third game against the same opponent is the perfect formula for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to take advantage of, but something just says to me that this game is closer than the large spread. I think the Patriots win this game, but the Jets will and must run the ball to stay with New England and will find enough success doing so to keep this a low scoring matchup. If New York decided to put the ball in Mark Sanchez's hands, then that plays into New England's hands and then we could see a double digit blowout. This Patriot team is different than the 2007 team as it has gotten better over the season, while that 2007 team was not as good coming into the playoffs. They take the Jets best shots at the Patriots, but in the end Tom Brady shows why he his this year's NFL MVP and leads New England to the AFC Championship.
Patriots 27
Jets 19

Wildcard weekend record: 3-1


Win/Loss picks:
Wildcard weekend: Sal (2-2) / Mike (3-1)

--- Ravens at Steelers --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Falcons ---
--- Seahawks at Bears --- Sal / Mike
--- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Mike

Divisional Playoff Weekend - The SFB Podcast (1/13/2010).....

This weekend's Divisional Playoff games are all rematches from the regular season, with the AFC games being the third game between divisional foes and the NFC games taking place on the same field as the regular season matchups. Mike joins me to preview the four games and some other news from around the sports world, including the BCS Championship and the new format for the NHL All-Star Game. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 13, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL Week 17 & Holiday Sports - The SFB Podcast (1/4/2011).....

The NFL season ended on Sunday and we are onto the playoffs. NFL Week 17 wasn't the greatest football Sunday we have seen, but there was still good football. I'll review the games of importance from Sunday and set-up the Wildcard weekend. Also, there was a NHL Winter Classic and college bowl games over the holiday week that we'll look back on. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 4, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 16 picks.....

We are down to the next to last week of the NFL season and one can only hope that the games are as good as what we saw in week 15. Will the Giants bounce back after their tough loss to the Eagles? Are the Jets back on the right track?

As for the picks, another positive week going against the spread, which keeps me over 20 games on the "plus side". For the straight win/loss picks, Mike again won the week and has a four game lead heading into these final two weeks.

Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Tim.

NFL Week 16 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

STEELERS (-13) over Panthers
CARDINALS (+6 1/2) over Cowboys
BILLS (+8) over Patriots
BEARS (-2) over Jets
Ravens (-3) over BROWNS
Titans (-4 1/2) over CHIEFS
RAMS (-2) over 49ers
Lions (+4) over DOLPHINS
JAGUARS (-6 1/2) over Redskins
Chargers (-7) over BENGALS
BRONCOS (+3) over Texans
Colts (-2 1/2) over RAIDERS
PACKERS (-3) over Giants
BUCCANEERS (-6 1/2) over Seahawks
EAGLES (-14) over Vikings
Saints (+2) over FALCONS

Week 15 picks: 9-7
2010 season: 116-95-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 16: podcast listener, Tim

Week 15 results: Mike (11-5) / Sal (9-7) / Guest (10-6)
2010 season: Mike (143-81) / Sal (139-85) / Guest (127-97)

Week 16 picks:
--- Panthers at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Cowboys at Cardinals ---
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Patriots at Bills ---
--- Jets at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Ravens at Browns ---
--- Titans at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- 49ers at Rams --- Sal / Mike / Tim 
--- Lions at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- Redskins at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Chargers at Bengals ---
Mike / Tim --- Texans at Broncos --- Sal
Sal / Tim --- Colts at Raiders --- Mike
Tim --- Giants at Packers --- Sal / Mike
--- Seahawks at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- Vikings at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike --- Saints at Falcons --- Tim

Fantastic Finishes - The SFB Podcast (12/21/2010).....

On Sunday, four NFL games were determined on the last play of the game (led by the Eagles comback over the Giants), while a few others were still up for grabs with a minute or so to go and all had some playoff implication attached to them. We'll look back at last week's games and discuss those great endings. Also a preview of the next to final week of the NFL season's schedule and a look at the playoff picture as it starts to get into better focus. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 15 picks.....

For the first time since 1992, I won't have to factor Brett Favre into the week's picks. Three games left on everyone's schedules and and only the Patriots have clinched a playoff spot. Quite a few nice match-ups this week and plenty of games with playoff and seeding implications. Who thought in week 15 the Colts could actually be knocked out of the playoffs?

As for the picks, the Redskins' holder and kicker helped Mike move ahead of me for the week and overall for the year. On the "spread" side, three "pushes" made the record nice, but I am getting tired of all these betting ties. Guess it is better than losses.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Len.

NFL Week 15 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

CHARGERS (-9) over 49ers
Browns (+1) over BENGALS
COWBOYS (-6) over Redskins
Texans (+1)over TITANS
COLTS (-5) over Jaguars
Chiefs (NL) over RAMS
Bills (+6) over DOLPHINS
Lions (+5) over BUCCANEERS
Cardinals (+2) over PANTHERS
Saints (+2 1/2) over RAVENS
GIANTS (-3)over Eagles
SEAHAWKS (+6 1/2) over Falcons
Jets (+6) over STEELERS
RAIDERS (-6) over Broncos
PATRIOTS (NL) over Packers
Bears (NL) over VIKINGS

Week 14 picks: 9-4-3
2010 season: 107-88-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Len

Week 14 results: Mike (12-4) / Sal (10-6) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (132-76) / Sal (130-78) / Guest (117-91)

Week 15 picks:
--- 49ers at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Len --- Browns at Bengals --- Mike
--- Redskins at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Texans at Titans ---
--- Jaguars at Colts --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Len --- Chiefs at Rams --- Mike
--- Bills at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Lions at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Cardinals at Panthers ---
Sal / Len --- Saints at Ravens --- Mike
Mike / Len --- Eagles at Giants --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Len --- Falcons at Seahawks ---
--- Jets at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Broncos at Raiders --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Packers at Patriots --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Bears at Vikings ---

Streak Stalled - The SFB Podcast (12/14/2010).....

After 297 straight starts in the regular season, Brett Favre was finally forced to miss a game. It has been a great run, one that started in 1992, and when we see all the players missing time each and every season, it just makes it even more amazing. As for the games on the field, the Patriots didn't suffer a letdown, but it looks like the Jets did. The Chiefs and Packers show they really need their starting QBs and it looks for sure like a team with a losing record will win the NFC West. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 14, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 14 picks.....

We are down to the last quarter of the NFL season and there is still a large amount of good football and important football remaining. In the NFC it is starting to look like a very ggod team will miss the playoffs, while in the AFC we might be seeing the end of the Colts playoff run, but I for one will not bet against Peyton Manning until they are officially gone. As for the slate of games, it is good, but the game of the week will be the clash between the Patriots and Bears in Soldier Field.

As for the picks, Mike had a great week and we are tied going into these last four weeks. Should be fun on who gets bragging rights. For my picks against the spread, an even week is ok with me and keeps the record 14 games above the balance line for the season.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Cody.

NFL Week 14 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Colts (-2) over TITANS
Browns (+1 1/2) over BILLS
Packers (-6 1/2) over LIONS
Giants (+1) over VIKINGS
STEELERS (-9) over Bengals
REDSKINS (+1) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-7) over PANTHERS
JAGUARS (-4 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-9 1/2) over Rams
Seahawks (+4) over 49ERS
Patriots (-3) over BEARS
Dolphins (+6) over JETS
Broncos (+5 1/2) over CARDINALS
CHARGERS (-7) over Chiefs
COWBOYS (+3) over Eagles
Ravens (-3) over TEXANS

Week 13 picks: 8-8
2010 season: 98-84-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Cody

Week 13 results: Mike (13-3) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (120-72) / Sal (120-72) / Guest (105-87)

Week 14 picks:
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Colts at Titans ---
Sal / Cody --- Browns at Bills --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Packers at Lions ---
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Giants at Vikings ---
--- Bengals at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Buccaneers at Redskins --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Falcons at Panthers ---
--- Raiders at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Cody
--- Rams at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Sal --- Seahawks at 49ers --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Cody --- Patriots at Bears --- Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Jets --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Broncos at Cardinals ---
--- Chiefs at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Eagles at Cowboys --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Ravens at Texans ---

Patriot Pounding - The SFB Podcast (12/7/2010).....

I have been down on the Jets this year, despite their 9-3 record, but no way did I see a 42 point beating happening. Question is, how did the Jets let this happen? I'll look back at the action from week 13 and look at the playoff possibilities as teams play their final four games, many of which are match-ups between many of these playoff contenders. Also, while all the attention was on the AFC early in the year, the NFC has moved up to the NFL big boys' table. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 7, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 13 picks.....

More good match-ups this week, especially in the Sunday and Monday night games as four of the best five AFC teams will be meeting to see who jumps into the division leads and top two seeds for the AFC after the week is completed. Last week gave us a very good Green Bay / Atlanta match-up and we can only help the two AFC offereings are as good.

As for the picks, good weeks against the spread and just straight winners (jumping ahead of Mike for the season), but I will not hurt my arm patting my back as it can change very quickly to negative side.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Travis.

NFL Week 13 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Texans (+7) over EAGLES
Saints (-6 1/2) over BENGALS
Bears (-3 1/2) over LIONS
PACKERS (-9 1/2) over 49ers
TITANS (NL) over Jaguars
Broncos (+6 1/2) over CHIEFS
Browns (+5 1/2) over DOLPHINS
Bills (+6 1/2) over VIKINGS
Redskins (+8) over GIANTS
CHARGERS (-12 1/2) over Raiders
SEAHAWKS (-6 1/2) over Panthers
Falcons (-2 1/2) over BUCCANEERS
Rams (+3) over CARDINALS
COLTS (-5) over Cowboys
RAVENS (-2 1/2) over Steelers
PATRIOTS (-3) over Jets

Week 12 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 90-76-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 13: podcast listener, Travis

Week 12 results: Mike (10-6) / Sal (13-3) / Guest (11-5)
2010 season: Mike (107-69) / Sal (109-67) / Guest (93-83)

Week 13 picks:
--- Texans at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Saints at Bengals ---
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Bears at Lions ---
--- 49ers at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Mike / Travis --- Jaguars at Titans --- Sal
--- Broncos at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Browns at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Bills at Vikings --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Redskins at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Raiders at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Panthers at Seahawks --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Falcons at Buccaneers ---
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Rams at Cardinals ---
Mike --- Cowboys at Colts --- Sal / Travis
Mike --- Steelers at Ravens --- Sal / Travis
Mike --- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Travis